Professional Coin Grading Service

Expert Comments:Each year the PCGS Set Registry participants keep raising the bar and this year is no exception. Every year we are amazed at the sets we see. And each year we’re convinced that it just can’t get any better. We are all long term coin dealers with decades of experience. We’ve seen it all, so we’re not easily impressed. But what you have done not only got our attention, you have earned our deepest respect. We all started as collectors and most of us still collect. We know what it’s like to work on a set of coins and we know how much effort, time and of course money it takes to get the job done right. It was fun to see what you’ve done, and we spent many hours reviewing all of your sets. Our congratulations not just to this year’s winners, but to all the PCGS Set Registry participants.

Sonoran Monsoon - U.S. Dollars Complete Set, Circulation Strikes (1794-present)Silver Dollars are among the most popular of all U.S. coins, so competition in this category is tough. Only a few coins are missing from this set, but what is included are virtually all dates and mints, plus major varieties, or all silver and clad one dollar coins issued from 1794 to date. The sheer number of coins in this set represents a daunting challenge and the cost of many of the early dollars is prohibitive to most collectors. We applaud Sonoran Monsoon's commitment to this wonderful collection.

High Desert - Complete U.S. Type Set (1792-1964)
The High Desert collection continues its dominance of the type set category and receives its eighth consecutive award. This 100% complete collection has superb quality coins, as its near 64 average certainly attests. Trying to increase such a high quality set is difficult, as coins that would improve this impressive set do not appear in the marketplace with frequency and they usually cost a bundle.Flambeau - Dollar Type Set (1794-present)The Flambeau Dollar Type Set contains superb quality examples of every one dollar type from 1794 to date. Most of the coins are Top Pop and those that are not come close. Any collection that contains not one, but two, MS-65 Draped Bust Silver Dollars gets our attention.

Flambeau - Gold Dollar Type Set (1849-1889)Collections don't have to be large to be important. This three coin set includes the unbeatable MS-69 Type One Gold Dollar, an MS-67 Type Two Gold Dollar, and an MS-68 Type Three Gold Dollar. All three are amazing, Top Pop coins.

ESM - Half Cents, Proof (1831-1857)Half Cents Basic Set, Proof (1831-1857)Half Cents with Varieties, Proof (1831-1857)This is the fourth straight year that the ESM Collection of Proof Half Cents has taken top honors. ESM achieved 100% completion in 2007 and many of the coins in this collection are Top Pop for the date, numerous ones unique for the grade. Norweb, Eliasberg, and Pittman are among the pedigrees included in this collection.

Twin Leaf Collection - Large Cents, Proof (1817-1857)This is a new entry in the category and one of two awards for this set. Early Large Cent Proofs are incredibly rare and popular, especially those dates prior to the 1840's. This set is over 90% complete and has a weighted GPA of almost 65, an incredible accomplishment. A quick perusal of the inventory listing show more than a few, unique Top Pop coins, plus others that are very close. We enjoyed spending time looking at the wonderful photographs of the Twin Leaf coins.

Stewart Blay - Indian Cents Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1859-1909)
Stewart Blay's name is synonymous with top quality copper and we're pleased to award him top honors for the fourth time. Stewart's aggressive style of collecting has landed him some of the biggest trophies in the collecting world. His Lincoln Cent set is legendary, as should be this top-ranked Indian Cent Set. Numerous, unique Top Pop coins ensure the dominance of this incredible collection.

Tom Bender - Indian Cents Basic Set, Proof (1859-1909)
This set wins it's Best Classic Set award for the second year in a row. We spoke glowingly of this set last year and, because of some upgrades and improvements, we're just as impressed this year. Think of what it means to have a set of Proof Indian Cents with a weighted GPA of over 68!

Dale Friend - Capped Bust Half Dollars Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1807-1839)
High grade and superb eye appeal are requisites for inclusion in Dale's set of Bust Half Dollars. The results are amazing. We've never seen such a remarkable assemblage of these early US coins and Dale can be justifiably proud of his efforts. We expect to see great things from this set in the future as Dale continues his pursuit for the "perfect" coin.

High Voltage Collection - Modern Type Set (1950-Present)
The High Voltage Collection is extremely electrifying! The owner of this set has obtained some of the very nicest Type coins representing the 1950 to Date composition. Most of the coins in this astounding set consist of MS and PR70 coins with very little room for improvement.

What a spectacular set! It has every single nickel from every date and mintmark in extremely high grades. For decades collectors have hunted for the finest Jefferson Nickels with Full Steps details. Some of the best examples in existence are in this remarkable set.

Alex and Nan's Proof Jeffs - Jefferson Nickels with Major Varieties, Proof (1938-present)A very impressive set! The 1940 nickel with the Reverse of 1938 is the single finest graded with a grade of PR68. The regular 1940 is also graded PR68 and only has a population of two with none higher. Most of the proof nickels from 1970 to date are graded PR70DC. This is a set that definitely deserves recognition.

Steve Strom - Jefferson Nickels FS Complete Variety Set, Circulation Strikes (1938-1964)Talk about hard work and dedication! This set is comprised of a lot of self made and fascinating coins. This set contains some of the most difficult dates and mintmarks to find with the Full Steps designation, including several tough varieties. Some of the highlights in this set are the 1953P and the 1960P, both of which are very difficult coins to find with the Full Steps designation. Another major highlight is the monster 1964 SMS Nickel which is a major rarity on its own, as there are only about 25 known in existence.

What an incredible array of beautifully toned Roosevelt Dimes and a tremendously seducing set. This set contains some of the finest examples representing the Roosevelt Dime series. This set is 100% complete and contains almost every coin in the highest grade possible. Some of the highlights are the 1951D and 1958P in MS68 FB, both with a population of two with none finer. Then there’s the spectacular 1953 MS67 FB which is just a drop dead gorgeous example.

LOG Collection - Washington Quarters Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1932-Present)
The LOG Collection has amassed a completely difficult yet very rewarding set. Despite the challenge, the owner has some amazing coins in this set. Some of the highlights are the 1932D and 1932S in MS65. This set also has all of the State Quarters in some of the highest grades possible. Some of the coins have single digit populations with none higher. Just an incredible set!

The Kallenberg Collection has managed to impress us yet again with such an amazing set! There are a lot of coins to drool over, as this set contains some of the most desirable examples of proof Washington Quarters. The 1936 is graded PR67 with a population of eight and none higher. The proofs from 1950 to 58 are extremely difficult to find with Cameo or Deep Cameo surfaces. The set also has all of the Proof quarters from 1976 to 2008 in PR70DC including all the clad and silver quarters. This set is very impressive!

Wondercoin's Washington Quarter Dollar set says it all. We have to wonder how someone single-handedly built such an amazing set. However, if any one can pull it off it is definitely Mitch Spivack as he is known for building some of the finest modern sets. This set has a grade point average of 67.027. This set leaves very little room for improvement as it already contains many single-digit, low-population coins in the highest grades available, while other coins are unique with a population of just one in the highest grade possible.

Over 140 million collectors participated in the Statehood Quarters Program. Now with the Statehood program being completed, all the other collectors can do is admire Douglas Rall’s amazing Statehood Quarter set as it is practically unbeatable. Currently the set grade point average is 68.027 which is an extremely high grade average for this set.

Search no more! The GRFN Set has managed to gather the finest Franklin Half dollars in existence in this one set. This is a monster set to say the least and it is a true honor to see coins of this caliber all in the same set. Not one coin in this set can be improved. The grade point average for this set is 66.469 and all the coins have been assigned the Full Bell designation.

This tantalizing set contains some incredible monster coins! Some of the finest Franklin half dollar proofs in existence are in this one set. Each example has the deep cameo designation, including all the earlier dates in the 1950’s. The grade point average for this set is 70.909. It also contains three coins with a population of one in the highest grade possible. The 1951 PR66DC Franklin half dollar remains the only coin which can be improved upon since there is only one example graded in PR67DC.

The PD Shad Set is composed of some extremely high grade Kennedy half dollars. Phil Shattuck has done a wonderful job in assembling such an incredible set. Many of the coins have achieved grades of MS67 and others MS68, which is almost unheard of for several of the coins in this set.

This set contains many incredible single-digit coins with none finer. Nick’s set has a grade point average of 67.635. The set also contains every single major variety required for all business and proof strike coins in very high grades.

This is one perfect set! There is no room for improvements whatsoever. The 1979P and 1981S both have a population of one with none finer. The grade point average for this set is 67.324. What an incredible set!

This set contains every example of Position A and B edge lettering. This set also has every single coin with a First Day of Issue designation. This is a very popular and competitive series and this set is definitely worthy of recognition.

This set has no room for improvement whatsoever. It has every single perfect example available. Some of the highlights include the 1984D Olympic dollar with a population of one in MS70. Another highlight is the 1989D Congress dollar with a population of two in MS70. A tremendously challenging set in perfect condition but somehow the owner of this set has managed to accomplish this monumental task.

This is one incredible set. It contains many perfect coins both in Mint State and Proof. Some of the coins have very low populations and the set has little room for improvement. The grade point average is a 69.76 and is 100% complete.

Best Mint and Proof Sets of 2009

We have a new category…the Best Mint and Proof sets. This is a great way to collect coins. For many sets, you can put together a meaningful set that only needs a modest amount of coins to collect.

ajia - 1936-Present Mint SetThis set isn’t complete and the coins aren’t the highest possible grade, but there is a massive amount of coins that have been put together and we salute this collector for this huge undertaking.

The Roderick Collection - 1952 Mint SetComplete and very high quality, this is an outstanding Mint set.

ErasmusHall -1968-Present Proof SetFor the fourth year in a row, the ErasmusHall collection of modern coins, 1968 to present, continues to dominate. This impressive set represents some of the finest modern collector coins in existence. Every coin is Deep Cameo and several coins in the set have low populations, such as the 1973-S Silver Ike PR70DC with a population of only four with none finer. Many of the coins are imaged which only further emphasizes the owner's eye for beauty and quality.pscovey - 1936-Present Proof SetAn absolutely huge set and this one is 100% complete!Elite Cameo - 1963 Proof Set
TTB 1963 - 1963 Proof SetOnly five coins in this set but both collectors have a set with all five coins grading PR69.

Flambeau - Dollar Type Set (1794-present)The Flambeau Dollar Type Set contains superb quality examples of every one dollar type from 1794 to date. Most of the coins are Top Pop and those that are not come close. Any collection that contains not one, but two, MS-65 Draped Bust Silver Dollars gets our attention.

Flambeau - Gold Dollar Type Set (1849-1889)Collections don't have to be large to be important. This three coin set includes the unbeatable MS-69 Type One Gold Dollar, an MS-67 Type Two Gold Dollar, and an MS-68 Type Three Gold Dollar. All three are amazing, Top Pop coins.

The Thomas IrwinCollection - Lincoln Cents Complete Variety Set, Circulation Strikes (1909-Present)This is an incredibly important subset of the Thomas Irwin Collection, presented this year for the first time. Not only is the entire depth and breadth of the Lincoln cent series collected here, but an attempt is made to collect as many of the "Cherrypickers' Guide" varieties as possible. The result is admirable and worthy of recognition.

eyeappealing 1 - Lincoln Cents Complete Variety Set, Proof (1950-1958)The owner of this collection has acquired all of the Proof Wheat Reverse Cents, including the 1951 and 1953 Double-Die Obverse. Both are Top Pops and the 1951 DDO is unique for the grade. Well done!

Just Having Fun - Shield Two Cents Basic Set, Proof (1864-1873)With typical flair, JustHavingFun jumps into the Two Cent Piece arena and pulls off a superb quality set right out of the gate. Nothing grades less than 65, the weighted GPA is over 67, and two of the coins are unique Top Pops. We would not expect anything less from this discriminating numismatist.

drtom's seated dollars - Liberty Seated Dollars, Proof (1858-1873)
This new set contains examples of all the Proof Silver Dollars issued from 1858 (when the Mint began selling regular sales of Proof coins to the public) until the end of the series in 1873. Although only one coin is a Top Pop, this is a valiant effort that we hope is just the beginning.

kmbergene - Liberty Head $5 Gold Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1839-1908)This is a great new set that includes an example from all but six of the year in which $5 Liberty gold coins were issued. There are some tough dates contained herein, and the ones that are needed to finish the set are within reach. We're impressed by anyone willing to take on this challenging set.

AWA Collection - Liberty Head $20 Gold with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1850-1907)As already mentioned in the write-up for the Best Classic awards, the AWA Collection is an overnight sensation that has been decades in the making. For the Best New Set Award, we're pulling out the best of the best: the complete set WITH varieties. Take the time to peruse this set...you'll be amazed. Antonio Dominguez (romanose05) - 1904 Panamanian Proof SetThis collector has listed two impressive Panamanian proof sets, both of which are receiving a Best Set award this year. We've also selected the 1904 to receive Best New Set. The mintage is just a mere 12 sets. Due to it's extreme rarity, it is unlikely that there will be a challenger anytime soon.

Dwight N. Manley - Massachusetts Silver Shilling Design Set (1652-1682)Massachusetts Silver Design Set (1652-1682)Massachusetts Silver Shilling Design Set (1652-1682)
The four types of Massachusetts silver coins were the first coins struck in what is now the United States. They are arguably the most historically important coins ever made. The NE and Willow tree shillings are extremely rare in any grade and this set has two of the finest known. The Oak and Pine trees are extremely rare in Mint state and this set has two mind-boggling examples. Long time coin dealer Dwight Manley has great taste in coins and we find it interesting that he chose these incredibly important coins to put away for both the fun of it and the future.

Catfish - Morgan Dollars, Low Ball (1878-1921)Collecting low ball is fun, but it can also be very challenging. One of the “kings” of low ball collecting is the Morgan dollar set. Some of the coins, 1885-CC and 1903-O for example, are virtually impossible to find in circulated condition as nearly all survivors are mint state. Here we have a complete set of Morgans with an average grade of less than 03!

Strange Behavior - Carson City Morgan Dollars, Low Ball (1878-1893)The ultimate low ball goal…one of each coin in poor01 condition. Here we have a Carson City Morgan dollar set that has attained the ultimate goal! Just try and find an 1885-CC in any grade below F12, let alone a poor01. A super fun set.

Jimmy Austin's Best of the Worst - Peace Dollars, Low Ball (1921-1935)While not as tough as the Morgan set, the Peace dollar set is nonetheless challenging when you get to the really low grades. This set has an average grade of less than FR02 and only one coin in the set is higher than FR02.

Not Mint To Be--Pocketpiece Commemoratives - Silver Commemoratives 50 Piece Type Set, Low Ball (1892-1954)A nearly impossible set to complete in super low grade as many of the 1934-1938 issues were not circulated at the time of issue. The 50 piece silver commem type set is one of the “kings” of low ball collecting and this set is the “best” we’ve ever seen.

Best Australian Sets of 2009

The-M - Australian Complete Proof Set (1955-1963)In the past couple of years, Australian Proof coins of the 1955-1963 era have become some of the hottest items in numismatics, jumping dramatically in both demand and value. This set contains a complete set of all denominations and mints, and many of the coins are unique, Top Pops. The significance of this set is that many of the Proof Australian coins on the market have been lacquered, making them essentially ungradable. This collection sets a new, high standard for this popular series.

Howard S. Hornreich (Hornreich Collection)- Victoria Sovereign Date Set, Proof (1838-1893)When we first recognized this set in 2005, we had no idea that British coins would continue their atmospheric rise in popularity and value. This set contains some of the rarest British gold coins, every one of them, including the optional 1837 Pattern, in Top Pop condition.Caranett - Edward VII Sovereign Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1902-1910)This is a cross-country set of British Sovereigns, comprised of coins from mints at Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and London. The sovereigns of Edward VII are low relief, generally baggy, and saw significant use in circulation; thus Gems are very rare. This set includes all Top Pops with the exception of one coin and many are unique for the grade.

Howard S. Hornreich (Hornreich Collection) - George III Penny Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1797-1807)Mr. Hornreich has world coin sets scattered all over the PCGS Set Registry, many with some very interesting and desirable coins. Here, he continues to impress with a short set of British Pennies, including the massive 1797 “Cartwheel” Penny.

Sulo Collection Of Third Farthings - Complete Third Farthing Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1827-1913)You learn something new every day. According to the owner of this set, 1/3 Farthings were struck by Britain for use in Malta. Despite the seemingly low value of many of these coins, they are surprisingly difficult to locate in top condition. For example, two of the Top Pop coins in this set are only MS63. This set deserves recognition for its completeness and overall excellence.Cliff Andrews (Cliff's Britannia Set) - Elizabeth II 2 Pounds Silver Britannia Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1998-present)
This is a complete date set of 2 Pound Silver Britannias, the modern bullion coins from Great Britain. Virtually all of the coins are Top Pops, including the unique 2004.

Best Canadian Sets of 2009

Lantern Collection - Canadian Coins Complete Set, Circulation Strikes (1858-1952)We’ve honored this set several times in the past. This is a massive, jaw-dropping collection that includes all metals, all denominations, and most major varieties in the Canadian series. The tremendous time, effort, and money that has gone into building this set boggle the imagination. Included in the set are innumerable Top Pop coins, many that come very close, and a bunch of coins with desirable pedigrees such as Pittman and Belzberg. E.G. Beckman Collection - Canadian Complete Type Set, Special Strikes (1858-1967)In general, the rarest of all Canadian coins are Specimen strikes. Most collectors would be thrilled to own even a single example, yet here we have a complete type set comprised of nearly three dozen coins. Almost half of the coins are Top Pops and the rest are perilously close. We’ve had the distinct pleasure of meeting the owner of this collection and admiring his wonderful coins. We are impressed with both.E.G. Beckman Collection - Dollars, Specimens (1935-1966)If Proof coins are the caviar of American numismatics, then Specimens are the crème-de-la-crème of Canadian coins. Mr. Beckman has gathered together some amazing examples, some of which are stunning in both rarity, beauty, and quality. Images are included of almost all the coins and we recommend a trip to the webpage for some delightful surfing.

E.G. Beckman Collection - Dollars, Proof-Likes (1949-1967)Big, shiny silver coins always get our attention and this set is simply amazing, plus it contains all of the major varieties. This is the fourth award in a row for this impressive set of Canadian Prooflike Dollars.

Southern Cross - NF Type Set, Circulation Strikes (1865-1947)This is a delightful set of type coins from the Canadian province of Newfoundland. Judging by the comments left by the owner, this has been a long-term labor of love, with constant upgrading and improving. This set is now complete and nice enough to earn the special recognition it deserves. Hard work pays off!

Best Chinese Sets of 2009

GDH 1 oz Silver Pandas - Panda Silver 10 Yuan (1oz), Circulation Strikes (1989-present)Silver Pandas have been extremely popular ever since they first appeared in 1987. According to the owner, virtually every coin in this complete set has been “homemade” (submitted by the collector). This requires a good eye and patience…qualities we admire in a numismatist.

Yomibro's Collection - Silver Dollars (Yuan) Design Set, Circulation Strikes (1912-1934)Thanks to big improvements in the Chinese economy, collectors in China are eager to repatriate many of their coins. Because of their size, Silver Dollars are eagerly sought-after. Apart from a few issues that enjoyed large mintages, many of the types are very scarce to downright rare, especially in unmarred, choice condition. This combination of demand and rarity has created an explosion in prices and, frankly, finding worthy examples has become nearly impossible. Thus, to see a set that is so advanced and in such excellent condition is refreshing indeed. The Yomibro's Collection is a standout among standouts.

Best German Sets of 2009

The Tess Collection - 5 Mark Commemoratives, Proof (1977-1990) and 20 Mark Commemoratives, Proof (1974-1990)While under Communist rule, East Germans were unable to purchase their own commemorative coins. Instead, the coins were sold overseas in exchange for hard currency and, literally and figuratively, they were scattered to the four corners of the earth. Thus, any sets that exist today were painstakingly assembled by interested collectors. The Tess collection is actually a complete set of East German Proof commemorative coins, and we honor here the subsets of 5 and 20 Mark coins. To top it off, this collection was assembled by a Young Numismatist.

Best Irish Set of 2009

Gene1865 - 1928 Irish Proof SetFrom the Emerald Isle comes this impressive set of Irish Proof coins from 1928. The restrikes from 1962/1963 were limited to a mintage of 100 coins, making them more rare than the original issues. Most of the coins are Top Pops and the animal designs are both beautiful and popular.

Best Japanese Set of 2009

Ted Wydeven, Sr. (T&JW) - Japanese Gold Denomination Set (1870-1932)This is a complete denomination set of Japanese gold coins, ranging in denomination from the small 1 Yen to the larger 20 Yen. Despite the release of coins from the hoard held by the Japan Ministry of Finance, top grade examples are still quite elusive. Ted and JW have done a good job of assembling top examples of these golden beauties.

Best Mexican Sets of 2009

mission4906 - "Caballito" Peso Complete Variety Set, Circulation Strikes (1910-1914)The “Caballito” Peso is a large silver coin issued by Mexico from 1910 to 1914. The design of a cowboy on a horse is very popular with collectors. The addition of major varieties such as short and long rays on the 1911 Pesos and a 1913 overdate (in this case a Top Pop) makes the series even more interesting. This set gets kudos for completeness and desirability.

Eagle1 - 50 Gold Pesos, Circulation Strikes (1921-1947)The large 50 Pesos Mexican gold coin has been a favorite with collectors of gold coins for many years, especially so after America lifted restrictions on owning gold coins in 1975. With over 19 ounces of pure gold in this set, the cost is inherently expensive, but here we have a set where almost every coin is a Top Pop (the MS66 1927 is unique for the grade).

Best Panamanian Sets of 2009

Antonio Dominguez (romanose05) - 1904 Panamanian Proof Set and 1962 Panamanian Proof SetWe’re impressed. Here are two sets of incredible rarity: the mintages are a mere 12 sets for 1904 and 25 for 1962. Both are the only complete sets graded by PCGS and all but one of the nine coins is a Top Pop. This is a case where rarity is an overwhelming barrier to entry. These sets appear on the market so infrequently, that is is unlikely that a challenger will emerge anytime soon.

Best Exhibited Set of 2009

Sunnywood's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" Toned Morgans - Morgan Dollars Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)Bucking the market trend of preference for “white” Morgan Dollars, Douglas Kurz decided to put together a complete set of Morgans with attractive, original color. The results are even more stunning than that – many of Doug’s fellow collectors consider his collection to be the finest set of toned Morgans ever assembled. With the addition of the amazing Eliasberg 1893-S dollar, Doug’s Sunnywood “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Collection is now 100% complete. In the Registry, Doug has provided information on each coin and amazing images for these beautiful coins. As your browse this collection, take a moment to read the comments posted by other admiring collectors. It will help you understand why this set was chosen for a major award this year. Amazing!

Best Young Numismatist Set of 2009

Justin D. Spivack (Justin's Presidential Coin Collection) - Presidential Dollars First Day of Issue Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (2007-2016)We love to have Young Numismatists participating in the Registry. You may think that Justin has an unfair advantage because his dad is a coin dealer, but when you learn about Justin's passion for collecting, any skepticism goes out the window. Justin has worked hard to complete his Presidential FDI set and deserves the kudos for landing in the number one spot. After all, he has been competing with some veteran collectors. Tied for first place in 2008, this year he charged ahead with a GPA of 67.13. Congratulations!

Best of the Registry Winners of 2009

(#1 set in each category with at least 85% complete, 6/30/09 5:00pm EST)